Knockdown of C-C Chemokine Receptor 5 (CCR5) is Protective Against Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury.

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability of adults worldwide. Inflammatory processes are known to contribute to the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia, especially following reperfusion. Chemokines and their receptors are involved in migration of leukocytes and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.